New York Firefighters Concerned about Exposure to Mold and VOCs

Recently, the Times Herald-Record published an article about air quality concerns in several buildings in Newburgh, New York. According to their report, the issues center on a building that houses the headquarters of the fire and police departments as well as another fire station. Exposure concerns to both mold and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were cited in the piece.

Mold can become an issue indoors if enough moisture enters a building and is not addressed in a timely manner. In fact, mold can begin to grow in under 48 hours on most wet building materials, furnishing and personal belongings. Mold growth not only damages materials but can also quickly lead to indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns and potential health issues if building occupants are exposed to elevated levels of it.

VOCs are another common IAQ issue. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes VOCs as organic chemical compounds whose composition makes it possible for them to evaporate under normal indoor atmospheric conditions of temperature and pressure. New construction and recently renovated buildings typically have strong odors due to VOCs off-gassing from new building materials, finishes, and furnishings. These off-gassing materials often include treated or engineered wood products, carpets, flooring, cabinets, paints, stains, varnishes, caulking, adhesives and other substances. A few examples of VOCs include formaldehyde, toluene and acetone.

“VOCs can also enter a property through a process known as vapor intrusion,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Vapor intrusion takes place when chemical vapors from contaminated soil or groundwater seep into a structure by infiltrating cracks in a building’s foundation or from other processes.  Sometimes vapor intrusion issues are readily evident with noticeable odors, but other times potentially harmful chemicals may not be detectable without advanced testing.”

Helping to identify these types of situations are the indoor air quality experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. They offer a comprehensive range of air quality testing services for fungal, bacterial and chemical pollutants; provide all of the testing supplies needed; and carry a complete selection of air monitoring instruments. EMSL even supplies a line of easy-to-use indoor environmental quality (IEQ) test kits to identify mold and other common indoor issues.

To learn more about indoor air quality or other environmental, health, and safety services and monitoring equipment, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com  or call (800) 220-3675. To access indoor environmental quality test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail